Our at-home tester noted that while testing this nearly 8-ounce glass with a traditional martini recipe, it looked a little sparse with just 4 ounces in it. (But perhaps you need an excuse to make a double martini!) While testing, the glass felt luxurious in the hand—the extra-long stem felt akin to a Zalto wine glass. Our tester found this coupe, designed by renowned bartender Rémy Savage, to be a showstopper and like something out of a "Mad Men" scene. It's truly an elegant, celebratory glass that feels like it's made for a special occasion. This Schott Zwiesel glass channels the classic design of a V-shaped martini glass with a contemporary approach. The bowl of the glass is suspended on a whisper-thin stem, with an angular lip to prevent sloshing or spilling. While the glass has an elongated, sophisticated silhouette, it’s dishwasher-safe and constructed from chip-resistant glassware that offers gorgeous clarity. As you can probably guess, the most common material for a martini glass is, err, glass. There are many different formulations that vary in strength and price, however, so not every type of glass is the same. And then there's crystal, a special form of glass made with added minerals that give it extra strength and sparkle. While crystal is pricier than regular glass, it’s sturdier and will last longer. Other martini "glasses" can be made of more unusual materials like plastic, steel, or ceramic. In our tests, we particularly loved how the curved shape of the glass makes it easy to walk around with the drink; there's less of a risk of spilling over like the typical v-shaped martini glass. We like that it's practical, sturdy, and dishwasher-safe, all while retaining a classic and nostalgic feel.

In keeping with the old-school coupe shape, these glasses are quite small, holding just over 4 ounces each. That's enough volume for a decent-sized martini, but instead of making a double, you're going to have to mix a second when you finish the first.

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Use of the glass became widespread beginning in the late 1980s, when bartender Dale DeGroff had several made for the Rainbow Room restaurant in New York City. The design was found in a 1930s catalog under the name "Little Martini"; DeGroff was looking for a small, delicate glass to counter the large conical martini glasses popular at the time. DeGroff's protégé Audrey Saunders spread the use of the glass to other bars in subsequent years. In the present day, the glass is found in numerous manufacturer catalogs and in upscale bars across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most martini glasses are made from glass or crystal. Plastic stemware is not ideal for martinis. Glass martini glasses are more common and usually less expensive. Crystal can be spun very thin, which makes for stemware with an elegant and luxurious look and feel — a thin edge can also make the spirit’s subtle flavors easier to notice. Kate Dingwallis a freelance writer whose work focuses on food, drinks, and travel. She is based in Toronto and holds a Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level III qualification. She loves a good martini.

Your martini should be filled to cover 85 to 95% of the glass. This will ensure the glass is full but will also allow room for the inevitable sloshing and occasional spilling.

We felt this particular iteration of the coupe glass to be an excellent entry-level option because it's sturdy, heavy, and affordable, with a design that's welcoming without being overly fussy. Plus, with a 7-ounce capacity, the coupes feature a standard lip and solid pressed glass construction. The glass held a generous 6 ounces (7 technically, with room for a wash line).